Wizards Distress
Eddie Jordan is a classy, well-spoken, and ethical person, if his innumerable exposures to the media over the years are even remotely accurate in conveying his character.
He should not have been fired.
Ernie Grunfeld should not have paid more than $100 million for Gil Arenas, who doesn't play and who was seriously injured when he was signed. He should have let Arenas go elsewhere. He should have gotten a back-up for BH as soon as the seriousness of the wrist injury was revealed. He should have long ago gotten rid of Etan Thomas. He should have found a legitimate young point guard; we had Steve Blake and he let him go, only to retrieve Juan Dixon who can't play in the NBA.
Grunfeld has many accomplishments, but punishing Eddie Jordan for his own blunders is the mark of a terrible leader. The Wiz now are a lottery team, and even then are probably doomed to mediocrity, at best, for years to come.
Arenas is the most exciting professional athlete to hit DC in 10 years or more, and he stands a good chance of making a full come back. The Zards just needed to stay within shouting distance of .500 until Arenas got back. But Jordan has never been able to motivate defense; he can't seem to get consistent effort out of young players like Blatche and Young; and his play calling sucks.
Jordan's a classy guy but a mediocre coach. It was time for him to go.
November 25, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I came here to post some snark, but changed my mind.
The only coaches in the NBA that, in my opinion, have any real influence on how their teams play, are Phil Jackson, Mike D'Antoni, and Pat Riley. The others just have to make do within the current capabilities of the players.
November 25, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink